A review of the performance of the approved evidential breath alcohol testing instruments introduced into England, Scotland and Wales on 6th May 1983.

There have been over a quarter of a million evidential breath tests carried out in Great Britain since the introduction in May 1983. The majority of these tests have been conducted without problems, but there were defences against conviction centred on points of law, police procedures, instrument operation and possible interfering substances. On decision of the Government a six-month survey was initiated, and the results are discussed here.